The Wraith (1986)
Charlie Sheen scored some hits in the 1980s: “Red Dawn,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “Young Guns,” “Platoon” and “Major League.” But only one movie featured him as a resurrected racer with a killer Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor. It’s “The Wraith!”
Independent films in the ’80s were wild, and “The Wraith” is no exception. Antifreeze-chugging punks, made-up slang and something called a “digital radio killer” didn’t seem strange in a time when Randy Quaid could play an indifferent sheriff, bullies could just own girls and cars could put themselves back together with zero explanation.
In this episode, Big D quizzes Gene on the names of Arizona landmarks; Gene explains how “The Wraith” killed one of its cameramen; and both Shat hosts agree the hero of the movie is a jerk.
Plot Summary:
In the 1986 supernatural action film The Wraith, directed by Mike Marvin, Charlie Sheen stars as Jake Kesey, a mysterious young drifter who arrives in a small Arizona desert town with a dark secret. The town is terrorized by a ruthless gang of car thieves led by the sadistic Packard Walsh (Nick Cassavetes). Packard and his crew use violence and intimidation to dominate the local streets, stealing cars and forcing others to race for their lives. One of Packard’s most recent victims was a young man murdered under suspicious circumstances while dating Keri Johnson (Sherilyn Fenn), who is now trapped in Packard’s dangerous web.
Jake’s arrival coincides with the sudden appearance of a sleek, black, turbo-charged car driven by a mysterious helmeted figure known only as “The Wraith.” This ghostly driver begins challenging members of Packard’s gang to high-speed races, eliminating them one by one in a series of explosive car chases. With each race, it becomes clear that The Wraith is no ordinary driver but an avenging spirit, seeking justice for a life wrongfully taken.
As Jake grows closer to Keri, who is still mourning the loss of her former boyfriend, his connection to the town’s dark past slowly unfolds. Meanwhile, Sheriff Loomis (Randy Quaid) attempts to uncover the truth behind the unexplained deaths and the identity of The Wraith.
The Wraith combines action, suspense, and a touch of supernatural mystery, featuring adrenaline-pumping car chases and a unique blend of 80s music and style. Join our podcast review as we revisit this cult classic, exploring its revenge-driven plot, memorable performances, and whether it still captivates modern audiences with its blend of action and supernatural intrigue.
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